02x13 - The Very Busy Academy Festival

[bunniefuu]

Fall, when skies are clear
and horses grow stout.

I still feel like I'm on summer break.

The academy festival is approaching.

It's understandable that
you'd feel restless.

The academy festival of the hyumans'
greatest academy city, Rotsgard,

is as impressive as you'd expect.

People gather from all over,
and every shop is filled to capacity.

Lasting an entire week,

it's an event that livens up
the city like no other.

I'm surprised.

I didn't know a competitive
tournament was involved, too.

Your students are rather excited about it.

Guests are invited from Limia and Gritonia

to evaluate the next generation's
talent through diplomatic conferences.

So it's like a job-hunting
fair for the students.

I hope nothing bad happens.

Season Two

Kuzunoha

Night Thirteen The Very Busy Academy Festival

Night Thirteen The Very Busy Academy Festival

Young Master.

I'd like to discuss our inventory
for the duration of the festival.

The list of additional items
should arrive tonight.

We can decide after that.

Makoto-kun!

Let's check out the festival together.

Tomoe and Mio will be coming that day.

Why don't you go with them?

You're no fun.

Don't sit up there.

Regarding additional staff for the store...

The Elder Dwarves would
probably be a good fit.

You truly are kind to demihumans.

Or do you just hate hyumans?

Luto, let me be blunt...

Get out of here.

Whoops. Looks like I'm actually intruding.

Guess I'll go do some work at the guild.

Luto-dono never changes, does he?

I'm shocked he of all
people is the guildmaster.

He'll be meeting important
people at the festival.

He said he uses the name "False" with them.

I hear he once conducted rather
intriguing experiments.

I'd like to know more about his research.

I thought you left...

Thank you for meeting me
on such short notice.

My name is Shinai. I am a temple priest.

I'm Kuzunoha, the owner of this shop.

Forgive my inability to speak.

Is it a curse?

Yes. I see it as a type of chronic condition.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Anyway, how can I help you today?

Right. It's regarding the medicines
you carry at this store.

Some people are concerned that
they're too effective for their price.

I'm glad it's not about the goddess.

Is he hoping for a bribe?

I thought such nonsensical rumors
would be a bother to you.

So I have a suggestion.

Definitely hoping for a bribe.

If a few gold coins will shut
them up, I'm willing to pay.

Have you considered allowing
temples to handle sales?

What?

I'm not sure I understand.

Then forget I said anything.

The temple will assist in
clearing up any rumors.

However, we have a condition.

Let's hear it.

We want you to reveal your
production methods.

So the temple can inspect them, of course.

We swear not to leak the
information to other shops.

But if I revealed my methods,
couldn't the temple produce similar products?

On that matter, we request
your understanding.

I believe I'm making a sound suggestion.

Several members of the temple were
involved in those humanoid experiments.

The previous bishop was one of them.

He suddenly died an unnatural death,
probably at Rona-san's hands.

It couldn't hurt to have connections to
the temple in case the unexpected occurs.

I'm just a fledgling merchant.

If it means getting to
know people in the temple,

I'll gladly disclose my production methods.

Y-You're sure?

Let me know what day is
most convenient for you.

I'll have my alchemist show
you how they're made.

I appreciate it.

Then come to the temple tomorrow at noon.

Yikes.

Is something the matter?

It's quite the majestic building
for worshiping that goddess.

Worshipers see her as the one
and only noble and good goddess

who loves all hyumans like
a pure mother, right?

More or less, yes.

That's a pure mother?

I don't think I'm going to get
along with the temple's people.

Regarding this proposal,

we appreciate the deep devotion
you're demonstrating.

The temple swears to clear up all rumors
and lies concerning your store.

Thank you for your kindness.

I hear a chronic condition
has rendered you mute.

We shall devise a solution
to that problem, too,

though I'm not sure how much
we'll be able to help.

Your Holiness, it's time.

We'll meet again.

Crap!

I'm disappointed, Kuzunoha-dono.

You owe the bishop your utmost respect.

Forgive my poor manners.

No matter. So, how do you
make your medicines?

Right.

It's all in here.

I see. While the alchemists are working,
I'd like you to tell us a few things.

Huh?

Oh, it's merely small talk.

Kuzunoha-dono.

Yes?

How long have you been a merchant?

Fewer than three years.

Whether it's been three days or two
years, it's all less than three years.

And you have shops in two cities?

Do you have a major backer?

Not a backer, but the Rembrandt Trading
Company of Tsige has been kind to us.

Rembrandt? I see.

You know him?

Not only did he lend me a storefront,
but he also taught me the basics of business.

That's rather different from
the Rembrandt we know.

We'd appreciate it if he were
a little more cooperative.

Oh, right.

Rembrandt stopped worshiping the goddess
after that business with the disease.

Do you look after his daughters at the
academy because of your connection to him?

Huh? Am I being investigated?

Yes. I've been asked to
keep an eye out for them.

He loves his daughters dearly.

Perhaps I should reevaluate
my impression of him.

Did Kuzunoha and his man leave?

Yes. They just exited the temple.

We're having him followed.

You wasted our time.

In the future, get my approval first
on all matters concerning him.

Wh-What do you mean?

Our examinations of his
mind and mana failed.

He blocked all our attempts.

A servant couldn't possibly tail him.

His production methods were fishy, too.

What?

The steps and explanations were clear,
and the methods themselves were marvelous.

But with our abilities, we'd have
only a 50% chance of success.

Only 50%?

Furthermore, when you consider
the material and labor costs,

we'd have to charge a hundred times the price.

N-No...

Kuzunoha is something else entirely
pretending to be an innocent child.

But it's also possible he'll become
our trump card in the future.

Kuzunoha

What?!

Eris-san, does that mean you
can beat Mr. Blue Lizard?

Of course. I couldn't work
here if I couldn't manage that.

That's amazing! Will you teach me some
incantations in the old language, too?

How long is Eris going to slack off?

I'd also like to learn how to
perform incantations while in motion.

We're back.

How do you do it while
leaping around like that?

W-Welcome back.

Really? That's the most basic of basics.

They look like they're having fun.

It shouldn't need to be taught.

When did they start getting along like that?

Please! I beg you!

J-Just now, actually.

If you tell me the truth,

I'll let you taste the banana milk we
developed for the academy festival.

Since two hours ago!

The rich sweetness of the banana,
light aroma of the syrup,

and profound flavor of the chilled
milk spread throughout my mouth.

I wish I could drown in it.

I'm glad you like it.

The key is to choose magic words from
the old language that suit you.

Where did you fight Mr. Blue Lizard?

I've never seen scales like his before.

Of course not. After all, he's a Mist—

DANGLE

Sh-Shiki-sama, Young Master.

You're being a bit too proud.

Eris, do you want to go back
to the demiplane boot camp?

You planned this, Aqua!

Young Master, Eris has
turned over a new leaf.

I'll never be so arrogant again.

So please... please...

Please have mercy on me!

The rest is up to you.

I'm off to make deliveries.

Very well.

Also, Jin.

Yes?!

If you're going to cheat,
don't bother coming to class anymore.

I-I'm very sorry.

Got your goods all set up?

Just about to.

Better hurry. The festival's starting.

Fall days end quickly,
but the crowds don't disperse.

I know, I know.

Huh? I sense something...

I'm being followed.

That's not animosity, that's bloodlust.

In that case, I'll pretend I haven't noticed.

They finally made their move.

Judging by their outfits,
they belong to the assassin's guild.

Get him!

Brid.

He's...

Here for revenge,
assassin who's proud of his blade?

I always complete every job.

I can't decide if you're dutiful or obsessed.

Hey, I see your blade's been fixed.

This blade made from the scales of Greater
Dragon Mitsurugi is my pride itself.

There is no greater assassin's
blade in the world!

Mitsurugi? He's talking about Lancer.

His scales are wasted on that blade.

Well, he seemed like an unpleasant guy.

Maybe his scales are just right
for an assassin's weapon.

What's so funny?!

Die, die, die!

Is this guy on some sketchy drugs?

I should end this.

Now, then... I'd like the assassin's
guild to leave me alone, so...

This will truly end the
matter with Bright-sensei.

I'm agitated. I need to
find a way to calm down.

Welcome back, Young Master.

I was just thinking about
reaching out to you.

I'm back, Tomoe.

How's your investigation into
the demiplane's climate going?

We can wait to act until after
the festival has ended, but...

I believe I've found a
rather effective method.

Opening a mist gate here would produce
a climate that's a 95% match for Japan's.

The weather would stabilize.

But this place is...

Yes. It's controlled by demons.

They have a fortress nearby.

It would be a bad idea to leave traces
of activity right before their eyes.

Then what should we do?

With your permission, I could
clean up the area right away.

Attacking the fortress would earn the
demons' hostility, and this place...

Let me think about it.

Very well. For now, let's enjoy
the festival that starts tomorrow.

Great deals here!

We've got stuff you can use
to cheer on the competitors!

All the stalls look amazing!

That looks tasty!

That's the academy city for you.

Let's look over there, too.

So this is the academy city.

It's more vibrant than Tsige.

All the shops look so tasty.

Don't eat the whole festival
while you're at it.

What's the holdup?

Wow, what a crowd.

Hurry up!

How long are you gonna make us wait?

We traveled a long way for this!

So noisy...

Thank you.

Good morning.

Sorry! I totally overslept!

You couldn't help it. You were
up until dawn preparing for...

How much for this?

Got any of these in stock?

I'm sorry. One moment, please.

Could I get some of these?

Yes. One moment, please.

What does this medicine do?

One moment, please!

Our salesperson spirits burn!

Where are Lime and the new Elder Dwarf?

Outside.

The end of the line is over here!

We're currently restricting admission!

I've asked them to organize the
line to avoid bothering other shops.

How are sales?

We're nearly done for the day.

That good?

Adventurers who heard about us by word
of mouth are visiting from across the land.

I'm thinking of distributing numbered
tickets or vouchers if we run out of stock.

Vouchers, huh?

Come to think of it,
the merchant's guild gave us some.

Forgive me for not seeking
your permission first.

I thought about waking you, but...

The young master is tired.

Why won't you let him rest?

As his followers, we'd never
disturb his restful sleep.

Sorry. That must have been
exhausting for you.

Not at all.

So, what are they up to?

They went with Luto-dono
to check out the food.

I see. Once I'm done checking inventory,
I'm going to make my rounds.

I appreciate it.

Let's see. First up is...

Kuzuha...

Why is it written in Laurel's secret script?

Laurel?

Please don't cut in line, sir.

What? I'm not gonna listen to a demihuman.

It's store rules.

Seriously? Does this shop
employ demihumans?

A hyuman scumbag.

I'll ask him to leave.

Delicious. I hate myself for not
bringing hot sake to drink.

Fish, meat, vegetables, seasoning.

And most of all, the soup that
is the foundation of the dish.

Now this is a dish worth learning to make.

Aqua, let me have a taste already.

Doesn't matter if they're
demihuman or hyuman.

I'll kick their asses.

I appreciate it.

Young Master.

Cream and mayonnaise.

What kind of harmony will they create?

Shiki, no horrifying experiments, okay?

Thank you for waiting.

Here's the extra hotpot you ordered.

The restaurant is packed. Got enough staff?

We'll be fine. We're prepared for the rush.

My sister's helping, too.

Eva-san can wait on customers, too?
She has many talents.

Actually, she's washing
dishes in the kitchen.

Since I work here, she helps every year,

but we all have our
strengths and weaknesses.

So customer service isn't
one of her strengths.

Let me know if you'd like anything else.

Thanks.

Young Master, what a truly
delightful festival.

I can see why it brings in foreign nobles.

There's a great variety of stalls
selling foods I've never seen before.

In Laurel, they apparently eat fish raw.

Really? They eat sashimi there, huh?

Seeing the students train warmed my heart.

I'm sure your own students will
do their best at the tournament.

Let's go watch the matches together.

Enjoy the festival to your
hearts' content, you two.

Of course!

I kind of feel like you're having too much fun.

Now...

What does Laurel want from Limia?

Allow me to be direct.

Please return our priestess to us.

The priestess?

She is with Hibiki-dono, the hero of Limia,
and chose to accompany her into battle.

Your great hyuman nation has kidnapped
a key figure of another nation

and is forcing her to participate
in dangerous battles.

This will become a serious issue.

The priestess took the lead
in supporting the hero.

Shouldn't that make your nation proud?

Does Limia take hostages?

What?

You know how important
the priestess is to us.

If you refuse to accept it,
then send your own forces.

We'll assign them to travel
with the priestess.

Leaving so soon?

The priestess cannot be replaced.

I hope we make some progress during
our stay in the academy city.

I'll keep that in mind.

This is ridiculous.

We're busy preparing a second
attack against Fort Stella.

If the empire hadn't sent the princess,
we wouldn't have needed to come here.

The empire's hero and Princess
Lily are wholly to blame.

What are those imperial b*stards planning?

Very good, very good!

Please stop!

I like you, Luria!

Please forgive my sister for being so inept.

Oil! I need more oil!

The stuff that burns on the way down!

This is my next new product.

Is it banana and mayo?

No, it's banana milk.

Hotpot is delicious.

Let's hit up a second bar, boss!

Of course. How could we not?

Banana milk!

Even when sober,

I too feel enlivened by

brisk autumn breezes.

What a bunch of fools.

They're nothing like the empire's people.

Night Fourteen:

Next Time

"I'm Not a Fan of High Society."

I'm Not a Fan of High Society